With a cultural heritage that dates thousands of years, Egypt has been the land of historical tourism and exploration. The colossal pyramids, centuries-old architecture, and bone-chilling stories behind the pharaohs make Egypt a must-visit on your checklist.
Historic Sites in Egypt
Tourists from various nations embark on a cultural escapade by exploring this beautiful and historic haven. By traveling to Egypt, travelers gather glimpses of ancient practices, infrastructure, and cultural heritage. Tourists often stand astonished by the rich history of one of the world’s oldest civilizations.
Ever since the discovery of the ruins from ancient times, Egypt’s tourism industry has skyrocketed its revenues. A vital contributor to the nation’s economic growth, Egypt’s tourism sector shows exponential growth each year. The fascinating legacy of ancient Egypt motivates millions of tourists to come and explore the sands of pyramids, pharaohs, and temples.
Traveler itineraries remain incomplete if they don’t visit some iconic Egyptian historical sites like The Great Sphinx, the Great Pyramids of Giza, and the Valley of kings.
In this blog post, we will take you on a historical escapade and talk about the most iconic historical sites of Egypt:
The Great Sphinx
The image of The Great Sphinx is the first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions Egypt. Undoubtedly one of most historical monuments of Egypt, The Great Sphinx has been tourist favorite for decades. The most captivating detail that attracts tourists’ attention is the shape of this mysterious monument; a mythical creature with a human’s head and a lion’s body.
One of the most intriguing details about The Great Sphinx is that very little is mentioned about its history and how it came into existence. The Great Sphinx’s thousand-year-old legacy and the mysteries attached to it attract tourists from around the globe to visit Egypt and witness this incredible monument.
- Location: Giza, Egypt
Things to do:
- Feel like a dwarf as you stand in front of The Great Sphinx monument.
- Hire a tour guide to understand the history behind this unique historical site.
- Get clicked in front of the massive structure
The Great Pyramids of Giza
Your trip to Egypt will be considered incomplete if you don’t visit the Giza Pyramids complex. The construction of these pyramids’ dates to 4500 years ago. Considered to be Egypt’s most flagship monument, these colossal infrastructural establishments were built during the reigns of Menkaure, Khafre & Khufu.
Inducted multiple times in the seven wonders of the world, these colossal pyramids have been standing strong in Cairo. Tourists love to stand in amazement in front of these massive monuments and love the feeling of being dwarfed by the heights. Walking in the eastern direction, you will notice three small structures: the pyramids of Khufu’s wives and sisters.
- Location: Giza, Egypt
Things to do:
- Witness infrastructural history by visiting the solar boat museum.
- Take camel rides around the massive structures.
- Don’t miss out on the evening sound and light shows.
Valley of the Kings
The burial ground of several rulers from Egypt’s new kingdoms, The Valley of Kings, is one of Egypt’s most impressive historical sites. The carved and painted walls around the Valley of the Kings offer insights into the ethnic rituals of ancient Egypt.
Most popular among the tourism community of Egypt is the tomb of the boy king Tutankhamun, discovered on 4th November 1922 by British archaeologist Howard Carter. Overall, the Valley of Kings is a remarkable display of the Egyptian empire and its politics, attracting the most tourist attention.
- Location: Luxor, Egypt
Things to do:
- Explore the iconic tomb of Tutankhamun, Ramses II, and other historic figures.
- Learn about the different burial practices and traditions.
Pompei’s Pillar
Despite the name, this historical site has no direct relation to the city of Pompeii. Standing tall at 27 meters (88 feet), Pompei’s Pillar is one of the oldest standing monoliths in the world. They were erected around the 3rd century AD in honor of Roman General Diocletian, who was assassinated after losing a significant battle in Greece against Caesar.
Over the years, Pompei’s Pillar has stood tall against the test of time; it has battled against sandstorms, seasonal changes, and other hazards. Tourists visit this iconic monument for its symbolism, history, and architectural brilliance from the third century.
- Location: Alexandria, Egypt
Things to do:
- Learn about the history of this iconic establishment and the Roman General’s war against Caesar.i
- Enjoy Pompei’s Pillar’s top view from a spiral staircase.Temple of Luxor
Nested in the eastern bank of the Nile River, the temple of Luxor is genuinely one of the most famous historical places in Egypt. Being a temple, this iconic site comprises statues, carved hieroglyphs, and towering obelisks.
Also considered a testament to Egyptian history, this historical marvel has many names attached to making it. Amenhotep II, Ramses II, Tutankhamun, and Hatshepsut were some of the rulers responsible for the construction. The Temple of Luxor is famous among tourists because of the insights one can get about the various Egyptian festivals and rituals.
- Location: Luxor, Egypt
Things to do:
- Stand in awe of the well-preserved temples of Egyptian gods.
- Check out the Avenue of Sphinx, a pathway that used to connect the Temple of Luxor with the Temple of Karnak.
- Enjoy the light and sound shows in the evening.
Abu Simbel Temples
Known for their grandeur, cultural and historical contribution, and incredible architectural engineering, the Abu Simbel Temples are one of Egypt’s most important historical sites.
Constructed during the 13th century to showcase the devotion towards gods Amun-Ra, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah, the Abu Simbel temples were majorly dedicated to Ramses II.
The temple entrance is guarded by massive statues of lions, symbolizing power and authority. Tourists worldwide visit the Abu Simbel Temples for the immense cultural inclination and display of Egyptian heritage.
- Location: Abu Simbel, Egypt
Things to do:
- Witness the massive structure of Ramesses II.
- Checkout the biannual solar alignment when the inner sanctum.
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Conclusion
The historical sites in Egypt are a testament to the country’s centuries old heritage and cultural significance. Over the year, these historical sites are preserved and maintained by Egypt’s government and have contributed heavily to the country’s tourism industry.
Visiting these sites are not just witnessing centuries old Egyptian civilization, but also understanding how the world has evolved over the years in terms of politics, infrastructure, cultural practices and traditions.
Whether you’re a history buff or not, this blog post will motivate you to visit these iconic monuments of Egypt and be a part of their culture.
Historic Sites in Egypt FAQS
When were the Pyramids of Giza created?
The Pyramids of Giza were constructed almost 4500 years ago during the empires of Khafre, Menkaure, and Khufu
Is there any connection between Pompei’s Pillar and the city of Pompeii in Italy?
No, there is no connection between Pompei’s Pillar and the Italian city of Pompeii. The real reason to construct Pompei’s pillar was to honor Roman General Diocletian, who got assassinated after he lost a battle again Caeser in Greece
When was the tomb of Tutankhamun discovered?
The tomb of Tutankhamun was discovered in 1922 by Howard Carter.
For which god’s devotion were the Abu Simbel Temples created?
Abu Simbel temples were created in the 13th century to showcase the devotion towards gods Amun-Ra, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah.
What is so unusual about the Great Sphynx monolith statue?
One of the most captivating and unusual details about the Great Sphynx monolith statue is the shape and building of this mysterious monument, a mythical creature with the head of a human and the body of a lion.
